Help Rebuild Store After Fire

Hello. I just took over ownership of a store named "Portland City Market" 3 weeks ago, but unfortunately some one set a fire by the front doors causing damage to exterior and interior of my store. I am Portland born and raised! I love my community, but this untimely event has forced me to close the doors until I can repair my store. Being a business owner definitely has it's ups and downs, but this act of crime has devastated  my family and I. This store is our only source of income. I have worked very very hard to get where I am at today.

Get to know me:

Owning a business has always been a dream of mine. As a kid I would visualize myself being a business woman and 3 weeks ago my dream came true! I am proud to be a 26 year old black woman living in Portland Oregon with the title of Owner of a business.

I grew up in the NE area my whole life. In middle school, I was not only educated about all religions, but also how volunteering has a huge impact.

My love of volunteering grew and eventually lead me to Nairobi, Kenya for a 2 week service project. That experience has greatly impacted my life. I helped install a sink at a orphanage/ school for deaf children. Sadly, the school was accidentally knocked down months after my trip, but the memory of the children and classrooms will always be with me.

I returned from the trip overseas filled with passion to help others. I continued to volunteer my time to serve meals at Blanchet House located in downtown Portland.

After graduating high school, I began to work various jobs and take a few college courses. I wasn't sure at that time how i would evolve into the business woman I had always dreamed about. Years later, I met my spouse and started a family. Together we strived to make a better life for our family. Then one day a opportunity to purchase a convenience store and we took it.

Just 3 weeks ago we began as a family owning what people consider a "mom and pop store" which I love because during the short time that we were open we've made such a strong  connection with the neighborhood and community. 

Now that our store is closed, It's more than not having the income.  It's taken away the daily routine of bonding with everyone that comes into the store. It takes away the satisfaction of knowing I'm giving back to my community. I need and strive to have it again.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me more. If you can please, donate and share.